I haven't been this scared since my oil consumption

[Tom McMenamin]

problem and I thought I was headed for a complete valve job. It turned out that the seals and guides fixed the problem and I dodged a bullett.

Well Guys, I am in panic mode once again. My 1988 560SL has 211000 miles all highway. This car has never missed an oil change and anything that was ever wrong was repaired practically the next day. Any of you who have read my previous posts know that I take super care of this car. It's like a child.

So here goes the problem: About a month ago car was smoking white smoke and missing. Replaced 4 Injectors on the passenger side. Replaced Radiator due to a leak. Replaced the Sensor on the Transmission to eliminate smoke. All was well! Car ran and still runs better than it has since I owned it.

About 10 days ago, I started the car and heard a loud WHACK! in front of the engine. Starter turned maybe once and nothing. Re-Hit Starter car started right up. Slight miss for about 30 seconds. Car then smoothed out and ran wonderful. From that point I got the same miss almost daily at first start. Never last more than 30 seconds.

Now...I have received an opinion that greatly concerns me... Someone advised that one of the magnets may have broken loose from the flywheel and that is what is causing the miss. Now this is an expensive repair!!! As usual I am panic stricken. What else could it be? How likely is the magnet the problem? What happens if the magnet is not replaced? Why am I still losing coolant on the garage floor? Any relationship between the miss the coolant drip etc.? Any other diagnosis any of the super tech guys might have?

I'm putting my laptop on the front seat of the car so that you can diagnose thru Mercedes Shop!

Let me know if I should be panicked?